Starting her musical journey as a child in Colombia, Shakira rose to fame with her album Pies Descalzos, which made her a household name in Latin America.

Her breakthrough into the English-speaking market came with the album Laundry Service, leading to global hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Waka Waka.” Known for her distinctive blend of rock, pop, and Latin music.

She has earned three Grammy Awards and twelve Latin Grammy Awards. Singing in both Spanish and English, Shakira continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her powerful voice, dynamic performances, and charitable efforts, especially in education for children in Latin America.

About the Song

La Tortura is a song about the pain of a broken relationship and the heartache of separation. The catchy melody and rhythm make it a memorable song, but the lyrics focus on regret and the struggle of moving on.

It features Alejandro Sanz, who sings a duet with Shakira. The song was loved worldwide, thanks to its Latin rhythm and strong vocals.

Original Lyrics of La Tortura by Shakira

Intro: Alejandro Sanz

Ay payita mía, guárdate la poesía
Guárdate la alegria pa’ ti
Y oye, dámelo

Verso 1: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

No pido que todos los días sean de sol
No pido que todos los viernes sean de fiesta
Y tampoco te pido que vuelvas rogando perdón
Si lloras con los ojos secos y hablando de ella

Pre-Coro: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

Ay, amor, me duele tanto (Me duele tanto)
Que te fueras sin decir a dónde
Ay, amor, fue una tortura perderte

Coro: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

Yo sé que no he sido un santo
Pero lo puedo arreglar, amor
No solo de pan vive el hombre
Y no de excusas vivo yo
Solo de errores se aprende
Y hoy sé que es tuyo mi corazón
Mejor te guardas todo eso
A otro perro con ese hueso y nos decimos adiós

Post-Coro: Alejandro Sanz

Que esto es una vez, es otra vez
Que esto es una vez, es otra vez

Verso 2: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

No puedo pedir que el invierno perdone a un rosal
No puedo pedir a los olmos que entreguen peras
No puedo pedirle lo eterno a un simple mortal
Y andar arrojando a los cerdos miles de perlas

Pre-Coro: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

Ay, amor, me duele tanto, me duele tanto
Que no creas más en mis promesas
Ay amor, es una tortura perderte

Coro: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

Yo sé que no he sido un santo
Pero lo puedo arreglar, amor
No solo de pan vive el hombre
Y no de excusas vivo yo
Solo de errores se aprende
Y hoy sé que es tuyo mi corazón
Mejor te guardas todo eso
A otro perro con ese hueso y nos decimos adiós

Post-Coro: Alejandro Sanz

Y oye, dámelo

Verso 3: Alejandro Sanz

No te bajes, no te bajes
Oye negrita, mira, no te rajes
De lunes a viernes tienes mi amor
Déjame el sábado a mí que es mejor
Oye mi negra, no me castigues más
Porque allá afuera, sin ti no tengo paz
Yo solo soy un hombre arrepentido
Y como el ave que vuelve a su nido

Coro: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

Yo sé que no he sido un santo
Y es que no estoy hecho de cartón
No solo de pan vive el hombre
Y no de excusas vivo yo
Solo de errores se aprende
Y hoy sé que es tuyo mi corazón

Outro: Shakira

Ay, ay
Ay, ay, ay
Ay, todo lo que he hecho por ti
Fue una tortura perderte y me duele tanto que sea así
Sigue llorando “Perdón”
Yo ya no voy a llorar hoy por ti

English Lyrics of La Tortura by Shakira

Intro: Alejandro Sanz

Hey baby, save the poetry
Keep your happiness to yourself

Verse 1: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

I don’t ask for every day to be sunny
I don’t ask for there to be a party every Friday
Nor do I ask that you return to me begging for forgiveness
If you cry with dry eyes and talking about her
Oh, my love, it hurts me so much (it hurts me so much)
That you left without telling me where you were going
Oh, my love, it was torture to lose you

Chorus: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

I know I haven’t been a saint
But I can fix it, love
Man cannot live on bread alone
And I cannot live off of excuses
We only learn from mistakes
And today I know that my heart is yours
It’s best if you save all that
Throw that bone to another dog
And we’ll say goodbye

Verse 2: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

I can’t ask winter to pardon a rose
I can’t ask the elm trees to bear pears
I can’t ask for eternity from a mere mortal
And walk around throwing thousands of pearls to the pigs
Oh, my love, it hurts so much, it hurts so much
That you don’t believe in my promises anymore
Oh, my love, it’s torture to lose you

Chorus: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

I know I haven’t been a saint
But I can fix it, love
Man cannot live on bread alone
And I cannot live off of excuses
We only learn from mistakes
And today I know that my heart is yours
It’s best if you save all that
Throw that bone to another dog
And we’ll say goodbye

Bridge: Alejandro Sanz

Don’t leave, don’t leave
Hey, baby, look, don’t get angry
You have my love from Monday to Friday
But it’s best if you leave Saturday to me
Hey, baby, don’t punish me anymore
Because out there, without you, I can’t find peace
I’m just a regretful man
I’m like a bird that returns to its nest

Chorus: Shakira & Alejandro Sanz

I know I haven’t been a saint
And it’s because I’m not made of stone
Man cannot live on bread alone
And I cannot live off of excuses
We only learn from mistakes
And today I know that my heart is yours

Outro: Shakira

Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay
Oh, all that I’ve done for you
It was torture to lose you
It hurts me so much that it’s like this
Keep crying, I’m sorry
But I’m not going to cry for you today

Similar Songs Like La Tortura

If you love La Tortura by Shakira, try these fiery Latin pop and reggaeton tracks with passionate vocals and addictive rhythms:

• Hips Don’t Lie: A global hit with a mix of reggaeton and Latin pop, Hips Don’t Lie brings an energetic dance.
• Waka Waka (This Time for Africa): This World Cup anthem blends Afro-pop with Shakira’s signature Latin beats, making it a perfect feel-good song.
• She Wolf: A catchy electro-pop track with a seductive rhythm, it is about independence and empowerment in a unique style.
• La La La: An upbeat, celebratory song with a Brazilian carnival flair, perfect for dancing and celebrating the rhythm of life.

Similar Artists Like Shakira

Here are some similar artists you might like if you enjoy Shakira’s energetic style and Latin inspiration:

• Rihanna
  Genres: Pop, R&B, Dancehall
  Top Albums: Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), Loud (2010), Anti (2016)
• Jennifer Lopez
  Genres: Pop, Latin Pop, Dance
  Top Albums: On the 6 (1999), J.Lo (2001), A.K.A. (2014)
• Gloria Estefan
  Genres: Latin Pop, Dance Pop
  Top Albums: Let It Loose (1984), Into the Light (1991), Gloria! (1998)
• Beyoncé
  Genres: Pop, R&B, Soul
  Top Albums: Dangerously in Love (2003), Lemonade (2016), Renaissance (2022)
• Selena Gomez
  Genres: Pop, Dance Pop, Electropop
  Top Albums: Stars Dance (2013), Revival (2015), Rare (2020)

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Collaboration Between Shakira and Alejandro Sanz Help Their Careers?

The collaboration helped strengthen Shakira’s connection with Spanish-speaking audiences while boosting Alejandro Sanz’s international recognition.

How Many Weeks Was La Tortura on The Billboard?

The song stayed 25 weeks at number one, breaking records for the longest-running number one at that time.

What Album Sales Milestone Did La Tortura Achieve?

The album sold over four million copies worldwide, becoming one of Shakira’s best-selling Spanish albums.